Presentation title The UNFCCC and its linkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector Kevin Grose, Coordinator.

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Presentation on theme: "Presentation title The UNFCCC and its linkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector Kevin Grose, Coordinator."— Presentation transcript:

2 1. UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector1. UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTIONON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)Foundation of global efforts to combat climate changeOpened for signature in 1992 at the “Earth Summit” in Rio de Janeiro, entered into force on 21 March 1994Currently has near universal membership with 194 PartiesObjective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate systemFocus of action is on mitigation:Limiting or reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sourcesPreserving or enhancing sinks and reservoirs of GHGs

3 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector2. PRINCIPLESCommon but differentiated responsibilities of governments (developed and developing countries)Precautionary principle to encourage proactive response to the causes of climate changeFull consideration for developing country needs and circumstancesImportance of sustainable development, supported by an open international economic system

4 3. GROUPING OF PARTIES UNDER THE CONVENTIONPresentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector3. GROUPING OF PARTIES UNDER THE CONVENTION“Annex I Parties” – largely the developed countries“Non-Annex I Parties” – largely the developing countriesCategorization based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilitiesDeveloped country Parties required to take the leadThe specific needs and special circumstances of developing country Parties to be given full consideration

5 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector4. THE KYOTO PROTOCOLAdopted by Parties in 1997, entered into force in 2005Supplements and strengthens the Convention, building upon and enhancing many of the commitments already in placeGroups countries in the same way as the Convention

6 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector5. CORE COMMITMENTKey to the Kyoto Protocol is the commitment for developed countries:ensure that their aggregate anthropogenic CO2 equivalent emissions of the greenhouse gases do not exceed their assigned amounts as set out in the Protocolobjective to reduce overall emissions by at least 5 % below 1990 levels in the first commitment period 2008 to 2012If a Party fails to meet its emission target, it must make up the difference, plus 30 per cent, in the second commitment period.

7 6. OTHER IMPORTANT COMMITMENTSPresentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector6. OTHER IMPORTANT COMMITMENTSTaking steps to improve the quality of emissions dataFormulating and implementing national mitigation and adaptation programs, focused on these sectors:EnergyTransportIndustryPromoting environmentally sound technology transferCooperating in scientific and technical research and promoting systematic climate observation systemsSupport actions to assist developing country Parties address the adverse effects of climate change and response measuresAgricultureForestry and land useWaste management

8 7. FLEXIBILITY MECHANISMSPresentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector7. FLEXIBILITY MECHANISMSDesigned to boost the cost-effectiveness of climate change mitigation and assist Annex I Parties that cannot meet their targets:Joint implementationClean development mechanismFocus on providing support to developing countries with private sector investmentEmissions tradingThe creation of the “carbon market”

9 8. UNFCCC INTERGOVERNMENTAL STRUCTUREPresentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector8. UNFCCC INTERGOVERNMENTAL STRUCTUREConference of the PartiesIncludes the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto ProtocolSubsidiary Body on ImplementationSubsidiary Body on Science and Technological AdviceAd Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto ProtocolAd Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the ConventionOther convention and protocol bodies

10 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector9. UNFCCC SECRETARIATSupports negotiations and the work of the PartiesPrepares documentationAssists in the creation of guidelines and standards for reporting, including reviewServes as regulatory body for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)Liaison and support to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC and UNEP/WMO)Assists in coordination with the main “implementing” organizationsGlobal Environment Facility (GEF) (Financial mechanism)UNDPUNEPUNITAR

11 Working at national, corporate and international levelsPresentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector10. HOW CAN THE ICT SECTOR CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNFCCC?The ICT sector can contribute to the global UNFCCC process in many ways,among them:Mitigation actions to reduce the carbon footprint of the ICT sector, as well as promotion of climate-friendly ICTs in other sectorsContributing to and aligning emissions “accounting” standards and practicesFinding the right roles for the ICT sector to support technology transfer to further sustainable development in the climate change context and in Millennium Development Goal 8(f)Partnering with governments, UN and NGOs to further action on adaptationWorking at national, corporate and international levels

12 11. MINIMIZE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE ICT SECTORPresentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector11. MINIMIZE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE ICT SECTORContinue on-going work to introduce energy efficient technologies and practice across the ICT sector, and the promotion of such “smart” technologies to other sectors.Seek opportunities to support the transfer of these technologies and supporting best practice to developing countries. For example:Proposed ITU pilot training project for the Ghana National Environmental Protection Agency and Vodafone Ghana to bring government and the private sector together to introduce energy efficient technologies and to further the implementation of national climate change adaptations actionsCreation of “ICT” Knowledge Networks to build communities of practice at regional and local level using examples such as:Africa adapt networkKnowledge management for development network

13 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector12. Contributing to and aligning emissions “accounting” standards and practiceUnder the UNFCCC, governments have prioritized the focus of mitigation action and “accounting” on:Energy, Transport, Industry, Agriculture, Forestry and land use, Waste managementICT sector is cross-cutting and can contribute internationally and nationally:ITU and UNFCCC secretariat began in to discuss relationships between standards and guidelines set under the Convention, and relevant standards set under the ITU.ICT sector may also look nationally with UNFCCC focal points to understand national context and standards for reporting and how they may contribute.Continue work to formalize standards related to energy efficiency, supply and performance as well as environmental impacts of ICTs.Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) may also be a possibility.

14 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector13. Finding the right roles for the ICT sector to support technology transfer for sustainable developmentThe UNFCCC encourages a:Country-driven, integrated approach, at a national and sectoral level to further technology transfer.Promotes contributions from the private sector, governments, the donor community, bilateral and multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations and academic and research institutions.

15 Five areas of action for technology transfer may be explored:Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sectorFive areas of action for technology transfer may be explored:Contributing to technology needs and needs assessments at national levelSupporting a global technology information exchange systemProviding advice, sharing information and expertiseContributing to capacity-buildingExploring participation in the proposed Technology Mechanism and its Climate Technology Centre and Network that will be discussed at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Cancún in late November 2010

16 Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector14. Partnering with governments, UN and NGOs to further action on adaptationUNFCCC “Nairobi Work Programme” seeks to:Enhance capacity at international, regional, national, sectoral and local levels to further identify adaptation responses, and implement practical and effective adaptation actionsEnhance development, dissemination and use of knowledge from practical adaptation activitiesEnhance cooperation among government, business, civil society

17 ITU has become a “Partner” in 2010 and may now make action pledges. Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sectorICT sector has opportunity to build on its networks to improve communication and access to information in support of adaptation.ITU has become a “Partner” in 2010 and may now make action pledges.Possible examples of the types of actions are:Projects like “mWomen” with GMSA Foundation and Cherie Blaire Foundation to provide women in developing countries with mobile phones to improve their lives and further sustainable development.Or use such mobile technologies to provide farmers with weather information or early warning in case of disasters.

18 Working at national, corporate and international levels Presentation titleLinkages and opportunities for the information and communication technology (ICT) sectorWorking at national, corporate and international levelsto support action on climate change